Gamila Nour said the charges were announced by prosecutors at a news conference but neither her husband nor his lawyers had been served with any papers. She said only official newspapers and broadcasters were permitted to attend.

She said he had been informed that he cannot leave the country, adding her husband "was not surprised" by the charges.

Nour was arrested six weeks ago on fraud charges and recently released on bond.

He has accused the government of Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak of trying to eliminate him as a candidate. The U.S. government had called for his release.

After Nour's initial arrest, Mubarak announced plans to pursue multiparty elections in the country.